Forestry Commission Research note 201: impacts and adaptation in England's woodlands.
Our woodlands have been established over many years in a relatively stable climate. Tree species selection has assumed that these climatic conditions will remain constant. This key assumption no longer applies.
We know the likely impacts to our woodlands.
We need to ensure that our forests and associated habitats are resilient to climate change and have the capacity to adapt to its likely effects. We must start to implement adaptation strategies today, as England's forests will be maturing in a very different climate.
Today our trees and woodlands are also facing new and ever increasing threats from pests and diseases making it even more urgent that we diversify the species and silvicultural systems we use to mitigate against their impacts.
For further advice about these web pages contact John Weir, adviser for woodland creation and resilience, Forestry Commission England
